Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders give you all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried chicken without the excess oil. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re easy to prepare, cook in minutes, and can be customized to your preferred spice level. Plus, they pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs (beaten)
• Bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Melted butter (for the buffalo sauce mixture)
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In one shallow bowl, place flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. In a second bowl, add the beaten eggs.
4. In a third bowl, add bread crumbs.
5. Dredge each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat evenly with bread crumbs.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
7. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
8. While the chicken cooks, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a bowl.
9. Once the tenders are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
10. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Lovers: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo mix for extra heat.
• Mild Version: Mix buffalo sauce with a bit of honey or ranch dressing to tone down the spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
• Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes until crispy again.
To freeze, place cooked tenders on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes, just cut the chicken breasts into even-sized strips for uniform cooking.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Press the bread crumbs firmly onto the chicken and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Can I make them without bread crumbs?

Yes, you can use crushed cornflakes, panko, or even almond flour for a lighter coating.

How spicy are these tenders?

They’re medium-spicy, but you can adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste.

Can I make them ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours before air frying.

What dipping sauces go well with buffalo chicken tenders?

Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy garlic dip are all perfect matches.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches so the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.

Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even browning and crispiness.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but pre-cooked frozen tenders can be tossed in buffalo sauce after reheating.

How do I make the buffalo sauce less tangy?

Add a bit of melted butter or honey to mellow out the tanginess of the sauce.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a quick, flavorful, and healthier way to enjoy crispy buffalo chicken. Perfectly seasoned, crunchy, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, they’re a must-try for wing lovers. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a meal or snack that’s guaranteed to satisfy every craving.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce for the perfect balance of heat and crunch. A healthier alternative to fried chicken, these tenders cook quickly in the air fryer and make a great meal or game-day snack.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Total Time: 22 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup bread crumbs or panko
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Cooking spray
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place beaten eggs in a second bowl and bread crumbs in a third.
4. Dredge each chicken strip in seasoned flour, dip in egg, then coat evenly with bread crumbs.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange chicken tenders in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
7. In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
8. Toss cooked chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until well coated.
9. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, use panko bread crumbs.
• Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
• Add a bit of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet-spicy twist.
• Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 tenders
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 95mg